Sole Survivor Of Executed Family Makes Tearful Public Appearance

Cassidy Stay is the only survivor of her immediate family after her estranged uncle tied up and executed her brothers, sisters and her parents on July 9. Just hours after being released from the hospital, the courageous 15-year-old made her first public appearance and tearfully spoke out for the first time about her slain family.

Cassidy Stay, 15, stood bravely in front of a crowd at a memorial event for the Stay family and vowed she will never forget her four younger siblings and parents, Katie and Stephen Stay. With her grandfather Robert Lyon by her side, Cassidy tearfully promised “I’ll be able to see them again one day” on July 12.

During a memorial at Lemm Elementary School, Cassidy stepped up to the stage and declared that she will NOT allow Ronald Lee Haskell‘s alleged vicious killing to ruin her positive spirit.

“I’m feeling a lot better and I’m on a very straightforward path to a full recovery,” she told the crowd, according to Click2Houston. The heroic teen quoted her favorite book series, Harry Potter, to the audience.

“In the Prisoner of Azkaban, Dumbledore says, ‘Happiness can be found even in the darkest times if one only remembers to turn on the light.’ I know that my mom, dad, Bryan, Emily, Becca, and Zach are in a much better place, and that I’ll be able to see them again one day,” she said while wiping tears from her eyes.

During the event, Cassidy also helped release balloons in her families honor. Cassidy’s grandpa spoke about his 15-year-old granddaughter — and how many lives she saved by playing dead, then calling 911 to help police hunt down Ronald.

“Without her courage and quick thinking, we might be mourning the deaths of 20 people today, including us, and nearly all of our children and grandchildren,” Robert proudly explained.

What a strong girl. Cassidy, you are a fighter and you should be SO proud of yourself for your unbelievably brave actions.

Cassidy’s estranged uncle allegedly shot every single member of the Stay family execution style after holding the children hostage for hours. Despite being shot, Cassidy survived. She was brave enough to call 911 and explain to the operator that she believed Ronald was headed to her grandparent’s home next.

Because of her heroic act, police found Ronald and ultimately cornered the alleged killer in a residential cul de sac before he could gun down anyone else. Harris County Police had a standoff with Ronald for several hours until he surrendered.